Why are Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino not playing? When will they Return?

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has clarified the unexpected absences of Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino from the squad for their Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The omission of the two midfielders raised eyebrows, particularly since Arteta had not flagged any concerns in his pre-game press conference.

Both players have already dealt with injury setbacks this season. Odegaard missed two months due to a severe ankle sprain, while Merino's Arsenal debut was delayed by a freak shoulder injury. However, this time, the issues appear less serious.

Arteta explained that Odegaard fell ill on the morning of the game and was in no condition to play.

"Martin was ill this morning, and we had to send him back. He was nowhere near fit to play," the Arsenal boss confirmed. Meanwhile, Merino suffered a knock and was unable to train the day before the match.

The availability of the pair for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Girona remains uncertain. However, Odegaard is expected to recover in time for next Sunday's critical Premier League encounter with Manchester City.

In Odegaard's absence, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has been given the chance to start in the number 10 role, while Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard lead the attack.

Although Arsenal are still without key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, Arteta will be hoping his patched-up squad can deliver against Wolves.

When will Odegaard and Merino return for Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard is expected to play in the next match, which will be a Champions League clash in midweek against Girona. Mikel Merino has suffered a knock and may get fit for the next weekend's Premier League clash.